First International Business Summit on Mindanao Slated on June 28 (Saturday)

June 28, 2014 marks a significant milestone in the history of Mindanao as business leaders all over the world converge at the Manila Hotel for the First International Business Summit on Mindanao!

In line with the vision "RESTORE THE LOST GLORY OF MINDANAO", the summit aims to showcase Mindanao to the world business community and to encourage global investors as well as businessmen to personally interact with local community leaders and entrepreneurs.

Take Your Step To Success at the Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo and the Entrepreneur Success Summit this June 27-29

The ENTREPRENEUR AND FRANCHISE EXPO 2014 with the tagline, “Your Step to Success!”, is set to be held on June 27-29, 2014 at the MegatradeHall, 5th Floor, Mega B Building, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Empowering over 100 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from various business sectors, the 3-day event features innovate and fast growing businesses, from food, education, retailing, real estate, travel, automobiles, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and  financing that visitors can explore from. The expo will also provide seminars on how to build a successful business, from funding, hiring, to finding the perfect business for you, making it the perfect market place for aspiring entrepreneurs and future franchises.

“Over 99% percent of registered businesses in the Philippines are MSMEs according to the DTI, but they combined only contribute to 30% of the National GDP. With the ASEAN integration happening in 2015 new competition is coming in, our vision as the expo organizer is to strengthen local businesses and provide a platform for them to showcase their innovative products and services. We also provide assistance for business owners and executives to network amongst other professionals and stakeholders in order to open opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own business and for local businesses to grow regional” says MEDIACOM SOLUTIONS INC. President and Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo Founder and Managing Director, David Abrenilla.

BPI Family Ka-Negosyo Partners with Mrs. Fields, Expands Best List Brand

BPI Family Ka-Negosyo inks a partnership with American novelty food brand, Mrs. Fields as it expands it growing Best List Brands roster - the Bank’s list of the most promising franchise brands in the country today.

Mrs. Fields teamed up with BPI Family Ka-Negosyo to assist them in their franchising expansion plans especially in strategic provinces nationwide. Throughout the years, BPI Family Ka-Negosyo has earned a reputation of providing assistance for aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs. Arrived in the Philippines in 1994, Mrs. Fields continues to deliver the best treats fresh from the oven; from baked products to refreshments.

Now, a car loan that pays you back from BPI Family Auto Loan!

The first quarter of 2014 has shown a very strong increase in car sales, registering 23% more compared to the same period last year. This can be attributed to the robust Philippine economy, the introduction of more affordable cars, and the aggressive car financing schemes that make affordable cars even more affordable.

Auto loans have been key enablers in making cars more accessible as their price become easier to pay via a series of affordable partial payment over a period of time. Down payments, which historically have been car buyers’ biggest hurdle, have been reduced to rock bottom levels to make them more viable to a greater number of prospective buyers. Monthly payments have also been made lighter with longer payment terms, making it possible for many to own their dream car.

Keep Informed With The BPI Asset Management Research iPad app

The BPI Asset Management Research app provides 24/7 access to informed insights and thoughtful analyses on the macro-economy, and financial markets. It is the first dedicated financial research iPad application in the Philippines, giving you access to relevant and timely updates on both the local, and global financial markets.

You can also view the BPI Funds’ daily prices, and even save your favorite investment funds for easy monitoring.

The BPI Asset Management Research app is available for FREE in the iPad App Store.

BSP Governor Opens First Philippine Retail Investment Conference

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. stressed the continued positive outlook of the economy during his opening speech at the inaugural of the Philippine Retail Investment Conference.

The conference organized by CFA Society Philippines is part of a global series of events to promote Putting Investors First Month in May aimed at increasing awareness and uniting investment professionals to place investor’s interests first above all others. More than 500 people are expected to attend the event at SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City.

“As we welcome an integrated ASEAN economy, we expect greater opportunities to open up for retail investors,” says April Lee-Tan, CFA, president of CFA Society Philippines. “In order for us to fully realize our economic potential, investors must be able to trust their investment professionals to treat them honestly, competently, and ethically. CFA Society Philippines organized this conference to teach investors best practices, investment risks and their rights so that they will be smarter decision makers.”

The conference gathered together senior regulators, local and international investment professionals, and advisors to address common issues facing retail investors.

A highlight of the conference is a panel discussion on how to avoid investment scams with Hans Sicat, president of the Philippine Stock Exchange; Vida Chiong, deputy insurance commissioner of the Insurance Commission; Atty. Gerard Lukban, secretary of the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission, and Atty. Romeo Mendoza, Jr., general counsel of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation.

“We are proud of the series of investor awareness activities organized by CFA Society Philippines, including the Financial Fitness Fun Run in February and ringing the closing bell at the Philippine Stock Exchange. To raise our commitment to the local investment community, CFA Institute and CFA Society Philippines will co-host the Philippine Investment Conference in October to highlight investment opportunities to professional investors in this exciting economy,” says Charles Yang, CFA, chair of the board of governors of CFA Institute, who delivered the conference’s closing address.

From a kargador to a millionaire: Nilo Omillo’s story

Nilo Omillo, a real estate broker for Vista Land for 22 years, is driving in style these days. In a recent ceremony awarding the exemplary brokers of the company, Vista Land Chairman and former Senate President Manny Villar personally handed him the key to a sleek Mercedes Benz E Series. For someone who used to clean bathrooms and knead dough in a bakery, to be rewarded as such means that Nilo, who still has the self-effacing quality of his old days, has reached a personal milestone.

Former Senate President and current Vista Land Chairman Manuel “Manny” Villar hands over a gold key symbolizing a sleek Mercedes Benz E Series to Camella top broker Nilo Omillo (third person from left) for his “work ethic, commitment to excellence and passion to serve.” Omillo, who used to be a kargador and janitor (among other odd jobs), has become a multi-millionaire by selling real estate properties of Vista Land.